Afghanistan oust BD U-19s again

Afghanistan oust BD U-19s again

In what was a repeat of the Asia Cup, Bangladesh Under-19 failed to qualify to the knock out stages of the Under-19 World Cup in Dubai, by virtue of run-rate, after going down to Australia by 74 runs.
Afghanistan, who had earlier beaten Australia, thumped Namibia by four wickets and finished the game in 25.3 overs to achieve a superior net run-rate and top the group. Meanwhile Australia took the second spot.
In what seemed like a Déjà vu effect, the hosts after thrashing Afghanistan by ten wickets in the first game and defeating Namibia by 52 runs, crashed out of the big league after their defeat to Australia.
In the Asia Cup last year, Bangladesh had similarly gone to a strong position after defeating Afghanistan and Malaysia in their first two games. However, in the final round, they lost to Sri Lanka and at the same time saw the Afghanis thump Malaysia in just four overs; eventually losing out due to an inferior net run-rate.
Yet again, the U-19s failed to keep their nerve in a crucial match. After restricting the Australians for 244, Bangladesh began the chase well by reaching 80 for the loss of one wicket in 18 overs. However, they lost their way in the middle overs -- while Afghanistan completed their win -- and were cheaply bundled out for 170.
Perhaps a more dominant performance against Namibia -- against whom they only managed to score 233 -- could have bettered their fortunes, but at the end of the day it was the same old pressure that the Tigers were compelled to bow down to.
It was a disappointing end to a campaign that the junior Tigers had begun nearly a year ago. They had positive performances against the likes of Sri Lanka, the West Indies and even England in the last twelve months.

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